Tams and Cat Review Stryke First (Rock series book 5) by Sandrine Gasq-Dion @EJBookPromos @Sandrine_GasqD

This tour is dedicated in the loving memory of Sandrine Gasq-Dion who was taken much too soon. Enticing Journey Book Promotions has had the pleasure of working with Sandrine over the last few years on many of her releases and we have enjoyed every single one. The book community lost a great author. To all her family and friends who had the pleasure of knowing and loving Sandrine we send love and healing thoughts. Sandrine your words touched so many. You will always be missed and never forgotten by our tiny book community.

Title: Stryke First

Series: Rock Series #5

Author: Sandrine Gasq-Dion

Genre: M/M Romance 

Release Date: October 15, 2017 

Rebel Stryker has had to fight to survive from the moment he was born to a heroin-addicted mother. Raised by his grandparents, his only mission in life was to succeed where his mother had failed. Now, he and his childhood best friends tour the world as a famous heavy metal band. Like any rags-to-riches young man, Rebel definitely enjoys the perks of being in the limelight. But now something has changed. Rebel never wanted to fall in love, shying away from relationships and relishing his 'no worries' rock-star persona. But there's something about the band's new manager that catches Rebel's eye. Despite fighting it with everything he has, Rebel finds himself succumbing to man's quiet ways. It doesn't hurt that the guy loves Rebel's grandpa — the one relationship that means the world to him. Staying true to his name, Rebel fights against the tide of attraction drawing him in. But it's only a matter of time before love finally strikes. Stan Jackson is hiding a secret. A Very Big Secret. One he prays will never come to light, especially since life is pretty good now. He finally has a good job, and he considers the people around him friends -- even if they don't see him the same way. All he's ever wanted in life is to blend in, not make waves, and move on through. Now, as the manager of the internationally famous Skull Blasters rock band, he is put squarely into bassist Rebel Stryker's orbit. He spends a lot of time with Rebel's grandfather, which is not only fun, but rewarding. Another big benefit is that Stan gets to see Rebel all the time. When his past catches up to him, Stan learns that he isn't just the Skull Blasters' manager. He's a part of their family.

Cat gives this one 5 Meows...

Jax is in hiding from an ex lover. He took on managing the band though he does have protection. He had a crush on Rebel for a while and loved Rebel’s  Grandpa and the other band members. He fits well and it feels like family.

Rebel was raised by his grandparents. Now his grandfather is all he has and he has Alzheimer’s and seems to be deteriorating. He doesn’t have time for love and he doesn’t want to chance falling and being hurt. But Stan( Jax) is different than anyone he has met and they have a good bond. But will Jax’s past tear them apart.

I love this story. I love a good character driven story snd this one is perfect. Not only do we have Jax and Rebel but we have the other four members of the band and their significant others. Each of these add a little life to the story.

My favorite thing about this story is Grandpa. He makes the story. He is funny, though him having Alzheimer’s adds a serous demention as well.

This is a book five in the Rock series. It does have lots of the characters from the other books but there is plenty of explanation of what’s going on so you should be able to enjoy this one on its own. If in doubt read them in order they are all worth the read. There are characters from the series plus some from other books by Sandrine Gasq Dion but the story focuses on Jax and Rebel.

If you like bands, a bit of drama, friends to lovers, quirky characters. (Grandpa is amazing) and some sweet-hot man-love this is for you. I highly recommend this series. 

Tams gives this one 5 Stars...

Everyone has people in their life that may not be related by blood, but they are family none the less. That is what Stan Jackson has found with the motley crew of men he manages, The Skull Blasters. To spite the fact that he feels at home, that he feels like he truly belongs where he is, Stan cannot let his guard down completely. If he does, he might completely loose his heart to the "straight guy" "bad boy" Rebel Stryker. Worse though, the past might just catch up with him and that is not an option. 

The band and his Grandpa are the most important things in Rebel's life and he'd do anything to protect them. His "in and out" (and I don't mean the burgers!) attitude when it comes to sex has kept the part of heart that remains unbroken in tact... until now. For whatever reason, Stan has gotten under his skin and Rebel is finding it harder with each passing day to deny his fastly growing feelings for the man. 

These two men have way more in common than they know, but they'll both have to put the past to rest before they can consider anything more than friendship. That is, if the skeletons in Stan's closet don't pull him under first. 

I think anyone that follows my reviews know this is hands down my favorite Author and an Auto buy for me regardless of the story. I really enjoy the way she gets into the characters heads and conveys what they are feeling through the words on the pages. This book was fast paced, lots of action and bit of suspense, some utterly toe curling make out scenes that lead to so much more, but at the root of the story it's all about family, loyalty and love. 

Definitely a must read for fans of the Author and/or this series. I surely recommend it! 

Best selling author, Sandrine (Sandy) was born in Inglewood, California. Raised by "Old School" French parents, she later moved to Tucson, AZ. It was there that writing became a hobby. Always told she had a great imagination, Sandy wrote short stories for her friends in High School. In college, she took more writing classes while working on her Criminal Justice degree, but it wasn't until a soap opera caught her eye that she got involved in male on male romances. On the advice of a friend, Sandy dipped her toes into the world of M/M Romance. Sandy takes the writing seriously and has had countless conversations with gay men as well as hours of research.She's been involved with the military in one way or another for over twenty years, and has a great deal of respect for our men in uniform. She's traveled the world, but has finally returned to Arizona.

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